Coming Home
35April 26, 2013 by petrujviljoen
Thank goodness I’m able to participate this week. Last week the internet signal where I am was non-existent. Couldn’t load even email!
Friday Fictioneers is a group of writers all over the world that writes a 100-word (or there-about) story, based on a photo prompt. This is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The photo this week is courtesy and copyright Claire Fuller. Join us, if you like. It’s fun! More stories can be found on Rochelle’s blog, by clicking on the little frog man at the bottom of her story. (Uhm, I don’t know how to load the link onto my site).
The long gathering of information, categorically arranged and shelved wall to wall, floor to ceiling, for easy access. In a space and place of her own. Mind-space and room to be herself. The rest of the unpacking could wait.
Facing her new reality: she rather liked it. Alone now, yes. But, with the authors on the shelves truth shall be explored and measured with experience. Where her own lacked it would be communicated by another’s.
As she ascends the ladder to reach the higher shelves, so shall higher reaches of meaning be found. Much awaits. The Way opened before her.
petrujviljoen 
As a lover of books, and the written word, I much appreciate the time you took to evoke their importance. I also appreciate that “she” comes across as intelligent, and a thinker.
Indeed! I’m increasingly annoyed to have to stress the intellect of women as if it’s a surprise (to men). Feminism is 250 years old and we’re still having the same conversation. I think women are still far too apologetic.
We are, and it is a learned/modeled response! 😉
I like this story very much and feel it is deftly written. I know you’re looking for constructive feedback so I would point out that I don’t feel the comma after “but” is necessary. I brought up use of a similar comma in the comments on Renee’s story (RHeath40) but in her case the pause was necessary to the meaning of the sentence. I don’t really get it’s utility here.
“Facing her new reality: she rather liked it. Alone now, yes. But, with the authors on the shelves truth shall be explored and measured with experience.”
Personally I would write that section as: Facing her new reality, she rather liked it. Alone now, yes, but with the authors on the shelves truth shall be explored and measured with experience.
Technically we’re not supposed to start a sentence with a conjunction such as ‘and’, ‘but’, or ‘or’.
But that’s one of those rules we all know and choose to ignore sometimes for effect 🙂
Overall I really like the story and admire the writing. Now she can pursue knowledge and truth all she wants and focus on self growth instead of someone else. You really get that she’s looking forward to this new freedom.
Thank you Mystikel! I did have a look or two at that comma and wondered. Reading your comment, trying to get a state of mind across through punctuation it may have worked as… ‘But! With the authors …’ Well, maybe. I had no internet signal here for a few days again so didn’t respond to your comment earlier. Working on this week’s story, barely managed to download it yesterday. Petru
Sounds as if she’s about to experience an intellectual as well as emotional breakthrough–wish her luck. Good story.
Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.
That’s great. I like the idea of climbing higher to find higher meaning.
True too, intellectually speaking. I appreciate the comment.
OK, I understand now. Poetic. Alone but not longing. She’s found the secret.
Thanks for reading and appreciating!
I love her ambitions, and the hint of sorrow that she has left behind will hopefully not come back to bite her. Great write.
Thanks for thinking it’s a great write. Sorrows have a way of turning up unexpectedly.
this is beautiful. i love that she prioritized the library. 🙂 and the last sentence just wrapped it up perfectly.
As per Rochelle’s story, I doubt that bringing your Kindle with you would have the same feeling! Though it might save you breaking your back lugging boxes. I too am revisiting some of my long-held book friends with new insight. There are many I am glad I kept. I loved the way you put your story together.
Thank you. I just asked Sustainabilitea if she, or anyone else for that matter, had any comment on the actual composition (if that’s the right word) of the story. Don’t know if I’m growing as a writer. Seem to reach the 100-word mark fairly easily these days.
When you have beloved books, your friends are with you anywhere your books are. I like the image of climbing the shelves and reaching for higher knowledge.
janet
Thanks Janet. Appreciate the input. Is there anything in the composition of the writing that you would want to comment on? Love constructive criticism.
If I were faced with starting over alone, having the books I love around me would be a great comfort. They are like old friends you never tire of listening to. Nicely done.
Thanks. Just put up more shelves today to unpack more books. Luckily I’m handy, don’t need a guy to do it.
You touched me today. If you only knew how closely your story mirrors my new (and unexpected) reality, you would know how empowering I found your last line to be. Well done!
Glad to be of service sir. I wish you inner peace.
Thanks again =)
Hope to hear from you next week.
Me too and likewise!
One finds one’s own comforts and security. Organization and words often times provide that.
Nicely written.
Thank you!
good story.. 🙂 btw if you want to get that frog in ur site.. just click on.. get the InLinkz code (below the blue frog) on Rochelle’s site .. copy the third code i.e. in section -> Code n.2 .. then in your wordpress editor switch to text mode and paste the code.. when u switch back to visual mode and publish it.. the frog will appear ! hope it helps 🙂
Thanks for reading and thanks or directions re the frog! Next time.
this was very good; especially the last sentence
Thank you!
Nicely done. She’s got her priorities right.
Glad you agree!
Dear Petru,
This prompt has certainly brought out the inner and outer book lover in all of this week. Nice that your MC, although moving into unfamiliar territory has the comfort and companionship of her books. Lovely.
shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you. That’s why one has books, one is at home anywhere!